There's no way we can fit all that under the cap. Our defense is fine as is, and there's no way St. Louis doesn't match Pietrangelo/Shattenkirk's offer sheets.

I think we have a hole at top-6 wing and it needs to be addressed, but if you think we need a top-6 wing, and a franchise/top-pairing defenseman, and a "steal of a trade(for what?)" in order to just be "near" contending, then you are grossly underestimating this team.

Grossly underestimating a team that has been embarrassed in its last three playoff series? Grossly underestimating a team that has been ***** slapped in the playoffs? Grossly underestimating a team that clearly is regressing and couldn't score a goal to save its life? I don't think so. I think people grossly overestimate the level of talent we have. I think people grossly overestimate what some of our players can do.

We don't have enough talent up front to score consistently in the playoffs. The Sedins aren't the type of players who can carry this team offensively when it counts. Kesler isn't the type of player who shows up every night either, and his body is so fragile I don't see him being able to make it through a 4 round playoffs ever.

We also don't have a single defenseman who can skate as fluidly as someone like Shattenkirk. We don't have a defenseman who can lead a rush and provide a dangerous transition game. It's pretty obvious that our offense declined when Ehrhoff got hurt and when he left. Karlsson, Letang, Keith, Doughty, Boyle (to a lesser extent now), are all puck moving defensemen who can lead a rush and it's no surprise they're still in the playoffs. Granted they aren't the only reason as you need more than just a PMD, but they're a key element that teams need to succeed.